Initiatives
The Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) is the backbone of our approach to addressing substance misuse and related behavioral health challenges in Nassau County. Developed by SAMHSA, the SPF provides a comprehensive, evidence-based structure that guides every aspect of our prevention planning and implementation. This dynamic, iterative model helps ensure that our initiatives are rooted in a deep understanding of local needs and environmental contexts, facilitating targeted and effective solutions that evolve alongside our community’s changing landscape.
The SPF comprises five essential steps: Assessment, Capacity Building, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation. These steps enable us to identify local needs using data, build the resources and readiness necessary for action, develop informed and culturally competent plans, implement evidence-based practices, and evaluate the outcomes to ensure continuous improvement. Coupled with its guiding principles of cultural competence and sustainability, the SPF allows us to create inclusive, adaptive strategies that address the unique challenges faced by traditionally underserved populations and maintain long-term positive outcomes.
By adhering to this data-informed, team-oriented framework, we foster a collaborative environment where diverse community partners contribute to every stage of our prevention efforts. This approach not only strengthens our capacity to address substance misuse
effectively but also ensures that our community remains resilient, healthy, and equipped for future challenges. Through the SPF, we remain committed to implementing sustainable and culturally relevant solutions that make Nassau County a safer and healthier place for all.
Narcan and Deterra
The Nassau County Coalition for Community Health’s Deterra and Narcan Distribution Initiative is a vital response to the rising concerns of prescription drug misuse and opioid overdoses. Since 2021, the coalition has distributed over 4,000 Deterra pouches and more than 1,000 Narcan kits through partnerships with organizations such as the Florida Department of Health, Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare, Chandler’s Hope Closet, and the Coalition for the Homeless of Nassau County. Deterra pouches provide a safe, at-home solution for deactivating unused medications, reducing the risk of misuse and environmental harm, while Narcan kits, which rapidly reverse opioid overdoses, are essential for saving lives in emergencies,
particularly given the prevalence of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Our initiatives not only prioritize public health and safety by equipping the community with life-saving tools but also aim to break down stigmas surrounding substance misuse and recovery. Through training sessions and outreach events, we empower community members with the knowledge and resources needed to respond confidently to overdose situations, promoting a culture where prevention, treatment, and support are accessible and normalized.
DEA Rx Take Back
The Nassau County Coalition for Community Health hosts bi-annual DEA Prescription Drug Take Back events to combat substance misuse and promote public safety. In partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), local law enforcement, and community partners, these events provide residents with a secure way to dispose of unwanted medications, minimizing the risks of misuse, accidental ingestion, and environmental harm. Since 2021, we have successfully conducted six events, collecting over 1,240 pounds of unused medications. These events also offer an opportunity for the distribution of Deterra drug deactivation pouches, Narcan kits, and educational resources to further support year-round safe disposal and overdose prevention.
By integrating safe disposal practices with community education and resources, our Take Back events create an inclusive space for dialogue and awareness. Partnering with organizations such as Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare, Inspire to Rise, Rebel Recovery, and local law enforcement, these events not only promote safe medication practices but also emphasize the importance of a collaborative approach in fostering a healthier and safer Nassau County.
Credible Mind
The Credible Mind initiative is central to our mission of enhancing mental health accessibility in Nassau County. As a free, 24/7 online platform, Credible Mind provides thousands of vetted, expert-rated resources covering over 100 topics such as stress, anxiety, depression, and resilience. With interactive assessments and a variety of content like videos, podcasts, and articles, the platform supports individuals in tracking their mental health progress confidentially and at their own pace. Since its launch, Credible Mind has supported 3,842 users, empowering them to take control of their mental well-being and fostering mental health literacy across the community.
This initiative aligns with our broader goal to reduce stigma and provide continuous access to evidence-based mental health support. By integrating local resources into the platform, residents can easily connect with in-person and virtual services tailored to their needs. Through Credible Mind, we are not just offering resources but creating a supportive pathway for building resilience and proactive self-care. Our aim is to expand its reach, focusing on youth engagement and promoting a culture where mental health care is accessible, normalized, and supported within Nassau County.